Phil Neville denied he is sexist and said he has huge respect for women, in his first media appearance after being appointed England women’s head coach.
Neville apologised a day after taking the job for past tweets about women.
“I had to – I didn’t like the words used,” said the 41-year-old. “I’m not a sexist. I’ve lived my life right.”
The appointment has been criticised because of Neville’s lack of coaching and women’s football experience but he denied the job was a “stepping stone”.
“I’m England manager. Any job after this will be a step down,” Neville told BBC sports editor Dan Roan.
The former England defender has only ever managed one game – at Salford City, a team he co-owns – but has coached former club Manchester United, England Under-21s and Spanish side Valencia.
“I’m qualified for the job, I have a [coaching] Pro Licence. It’s to work in all aspects of football.
“I’ve worked at elite level. I’ve worked abroad. Some of the players are world class. I’m best qualified for this job.
“I didn’t get it by default. I didn’t just get handed the keys to women’s football. This is not something that has been plucked from the top of a tree.
“I had to undergo stringent tests and presentations, six and seven-hour interviews with the Football Association, psychometric profiling – it was a long process. But ultimately I’m the best man for the job and shouldn’t be embarrassed about that.”